NasJet has staked a claim to be the largest Gulfstream operator in the Middle East region following the arrival of a G550 under management, which brings its total fleet to 75 Airbus, Gulfstream, Falcon and Hawker aircraft. "This also uniquely positions NasJet as one of the top 20 operators in the world," says group ceo Sulaiman Al-Hamdan.

The arrival of the new aircraft reflects the need for private jets in the Middle East continuing to grow, despite the global economic turbulence. "Regionally, we have seen a year-on-year increase in activity levels, particularly in Saudi Arabia," says James Dailey, coo of NasJet. "There is an even split between existing private jet users as well as new entrants, with steady demand coming from GCC corporations, actively chasing business deals around the globe."

"With the new G550 owner, it was clear he already had considerable aircraft experience and his requirements were extremely sophisticated," highlights Yosef Hafiz, NasJet director of aircraft management. "NasJet has managed and operated Gulfstreams in the Middle East since 1999 and has a reputation for applying stringent standards of safety/service, developed over many years working with international partners."

NasJets says that its 'flyGulfstream' aircraft management programme provides owners with economy of scale cost saving benefits including fuel, crew training, parts and fleet insurance.